The obituary notice of David John GOLIFER

Happy memories of David, a lovely neighbour to our family for more than 50 years xxx

Dad lived by these principles, and they are his gift to us, guiding us even in his absence.

Thank you again for being here today to remember Dad.

As we move forward, we carry his spirit with us, finding comfort in the love he shared and the life he lived.

Together, let us honour his memory by living our lives with the same kindness and courage he showed to us.

He was a very active person and played lots of sports including cricket and football.

You’ll see his love of cricket reflected today in the flowers and the theme running through the order of service.

And throughout all his life, Dad always remained true to his principles – the value of hard work and the importance of family.

And on that note (family), I want to Echo the words of Barbara in saying thank you to mum. As his dementia progressed, Dad was not able to fight his own corner. Mum, you were his Mike Tyson.

So, what about my personal memories of Dad?

Having had a few weeks to reflect, I started asking myself, ‘where do I start?’

There are so many, but some of my fondest memories of Dad really speak to the man he was.

Each one demonstrating something about his character, his sense of humour, his generosity, and love of adventure.

Growing up:
• Christmas parties at the Leyland Motors Sports & Social Club
• Preston and numerous hospital appointments he took me to
• Wrestling a stranger to the ground in Morecambe

Holidays:
• North Wales on a campsite in a tent that blew away in the middle of the night because the pegs had not been securely fastened to the ground!
• Menorca, when Dad lost the car keys to a hire car because they fell out of his swimming trunks when he went in the sea.

Driving:
• Hitting the road for my very first driving lesson at midnight as soon as I turned 17 years of age.
• After I passed my driving test, many times Dad would get out of bed in the early hours of a Saturday morning to come and rescue me after running out of petrol in my little black mini.

And Dad's legacy? First, let’s remind ourselves what the word legacy means:

‘The long lasting impact of particular events or actions, that took place in the past, or a person’s life’.

Dad's legacy is not just in the memories we share, but in the lessons he taught us:
• Be honest and treat others with respect
• Be kind, talk to people and be friendly

Continued..

Dad had an interest in videoing events such as weddings/walking trips and so it’s very fitting that we are able to use modern-day video camera technology to share his funeral.

So, now a few words about Dad’s life.

Dad was a man of great integrity, kindness, and resilience.

‘A gentleman’, is how one of my friends described Dad earlier this morning.

Born in Southport to Raymond and Margaret, he grew up understanding the value of hard work and the importance of family.

Being raised by parents who worked the land, he grew up in a world of tractors, fields, steam engines, baling machines, and combine harvesters.

In fact, growing up, I remember having to listen to a song by The Wurzels on repeat for weeks. How did it go again? ….

‘Cuz I got a brand new combine harvester. An' I'll give you the key. Come on now let's get together in perfect harmony’

He was big brother to two sisters, Kathleen, and Barbara, who he absolutely adored.

And his sisters remember Dad during those early years by way of:

• Train spotting
• Meccano
• Air Gun practice
• Biggles books
• Cricket
• Radio Luxembourg
• Elvis Presley
• Beetle crusher shoes and Drainpipe trousers
• 3 sugars in coffee and very large bars of chocolate

Now I understand where I get my sweet tooth from!

Throughout his life, Dad was lucky enough to experience several big life events such as…

• Wooing a certain young lady from Blackburn’s affections away from her current boyfriend.
• This certain young lady went on to get engaged and married to Dad, and she was persuaded to move from Blackburn to this neck of the woods.
• This led to them buying their first house together in Tarleton.
• This then led to the pitter patter of tiny feet (myself) and then my sister Alison
• Paul and Alison's wedding
• Birth of Joe and Beth, grandchildren
• Arrival of Ernie and Etta, great grandchildren
• Countless wedding anniversaries

Continued...

With a heart full of sorrow and gratitude, I share the words of remembrance that were spoken at the funeral of my father.

It was an honour to stand before family and friends to celebrate his life, recount his virtues, and share personal memories that highlighted the incredible person he was.

These words are a tribute to a remarkable life lived with kindness, integrity, and love. May they serve as a testament to his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on all our hearts.

I would also like to extend a special word of thanks to the pallbearers who, with great dignity and care, helped carry my father on his final journey (Beth Taylor, Joe Taylor, Paul Taylor, Nick Burt, Stephen Barron, Paul Roberts, and Danny Pearce). Your support and strength during this time were not only a tribute to his memory but also a significant comfort to our family. It’s a gesture of kindness and respect that we will forever hold dear.

As we continue to navigate through our loss, we find solace in remembering and cherishing the moments we were blessed to share with him. To all who knew and loved him, and to those who stood with us in our time of mourning, may these words resonate with your memories and help keep his spirit alive in our hearts.

Words of Remembrance by Adrian Golifer

Hello all - thank you for joining us today to celebrate the life of my father, David Golifer.

As a family we very much appreciate you taking time out of your daily schedule - or work - to be with us today.

He was 80 years old when he passed away and lived a very fulfilling life.

Your presence today is a testament to the impact he had on all of us, and it means a great deal to our family that you are here today at this difficult time.

As well as yourselves here in the church, we are joined on Zoom by family and friends in the South of the UK.

Continued...

Lots of love Uncle David and condolences to all the family x

May peace, and peace and peace be everywhere

So sorry for your loss RIP David